The Dark Side of Green Energy: At What Human Cost in Congo?
In the DRC, the drive for green energy has exposed a dark underbelly of exploitation and conflict. The nation''s vast mineral wealth, vital for producing batteries, solar
Congo is one of the top five oil producers in Sub-Saharan Africa. But despite its rich energy resources, the electrification rate is low, especially in rural areas, mainly because of a lack of electricity infrastructure. But solar power could be the future as it is also said to be cheaper for households.
New businesses are taking root. In several Goma neighborhoods where almost nobody had electricity just five years ago, a small solar network is offering a flicker of hope despite widespread poverty and the city's violent takeover by Congolese rebels early this year.
It's scaling up rapidly and an initiative by the World Bank and African Development Bank is expected to provide off-grid solar electricity access to about 150 million people by 2030, helping to power health clinics, schools and more, he said. “Solar energy is...a powerful instrument for climate adaptation and resilience,” Kansuk said.
Nuru's solar panels have occasionally been struck by stray bullets during gunfire, said Alain Byamungu Chiruza, Nuru's senior director of business development. “But in general...our panels are safe because the community understands that (they are) for their own good.”
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